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Dog Days of Summer

June 12, 2017

Can you believe that summer is practically here?

Summer Solstice is June 21st

Summertime brings so many fun activities: BBQs, beach days, camping trips, long hours at the pool, and of course lots of time spent in the sunshine! To ensure that you and your furry loved one have the best summer ever, we have rounded up some tips & tricks to protect your pet in these warmer months.

Sunshine & Rising Temperatures

Keep your pet cool this summer with these tips:

Some breeds are more susceptible to sunburns than others. If you have a breed with fair skin & white hair or fur, keep them out of the sun in a shady area. There are pet sunscreens out there to help protect your pet’s nose from the harmful rays- check it out here.

A great rule of thumb to remember while taking your dog for a walk: if the ground is too hot for you to hold the back of your hand to, then it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Try taking them for a walk in the evenings when it cools off.

A great tip for keeping your dog cool is by putting a wet towel on their body. It quickly cools them off and is free & easy for you!

It is SO important to remember to never ever leave your pet in the car! Some states have laws where it’s legal to break a window in order to rescue a pet from a hot vehicle. If you wouldn’t leave your child in the hot car for 5 minutes, it’s best you don’t with your pets either. If you do need to make a quick errand inside, make sure to leave your car running with the air conditioner running and windows rolled up.

BBQs & Summer Food

Nothing quite like all that summertime food! While it may be delicious for humans, it’s important to keep these in mind for your pet:

It’s never a good idea to give your dog table scraps. While their begging eyes may be cute, remember you are protecting their digestive system and saving that emergency trip to the vet.

While practically every movie & cartoon includes giving your dog the leftover bones from cookouts, try your best avoid this common mistake. Poultry and other bones can break into shards which can cause your dog to choke while eating them.

Outdoor Safety

If your dog loves the outdoors, these safety tips are crucial for the summer:

While going to the dog park, familiarize yourself with the park’s safety rules. If they have breed restrictions or specific leash rules, be courteous and follow them.

Be sure your dog has correct ID tags & updated contact information in case they get lost. While dogs can get out, it’s best to have them identifiable so they can be returned to their owner…that’s you!

Always keep an eye on your dog at all times if they are swimming in the ocean, lake or pool. Even if your dog is the most experienced swimmer, it’s better to be safe. If your dog looks like they are tired, pull them out of the water and have them relax.

If you are going on a camping trip this summer, make sure to have a leash on your dog at all times. Outdoor factors can come into play and can be easy for your pet to get lost in the woods.

As always, remember to pick up after your dog. Be courteous wherever you go, whether it be around the local neighborhood, an outdoor park or at the beach.

Remember to have fresh water available at all times for your pet and keep their pet food in a dry, cool place. Need a healthy pet food option for your pet? Nature’s Select can be the answer! Learn more on our website.

With these tips in mind, you are sure to have an awesome time this summer!